Airports Must Claim FY 2026 Funds or Forfeit Them
Published Date: 12/8/2025
Notice
Summary
Airport sponsors who want to use their Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds for Fiscal Year 2026 must tell the FAA by February 27, 2026, or risk losing access to those funds until next year. This heads-up helps the FAA plan and protect unused money so airports can keep improving safely and smoothly. Missing the deadline means your funds get put on hold, so don’t wait to say you’re in!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Tell FAA by Feb 27, 2026 or Lose Access
If your airport receives AIP apportioned funds, you must notify the FAA in writing of your intent to apply for FY 2026 funds by February 27, 2026. The notification must include the total amount planned for eligible projects during the fiscal year and confirm which projects in your Capital Improvement Plan will proceed.
Undeclared Funds Put On Hold Until Next Year
Any apportioned AIP funds that an airport sponsor does not declare by February 27, 2026 will be carried over and protected by the FAA and will be unavailable to the sponsor until the next fiscal year. That means you cannot use those undeclared funds for projects during the new fiscal year.
Submit Entitlement Grant Applications by May 1, 2026
Airport sponsors must submit entitlement-only grant applications on or before May 1, 2026. Applications should be based on construction bids (or negotiated agreements) or estimates, coordinate final bid dates with your FAA Region/Airport District Office, and must meet pre-grant requirements like the National Environmental Policy Act and Buy American rules.
State Block Grant Agencies Must Also Notify
State aviation agencies participating in the FAA State Block Grant Program must notify the FAA by February 27, 2026 with information consistent with the latest Memorandum of Agreement, including a plan for both entitlement and state apportionment funds.
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